Report: DIY security installs up nearly 40 percent since 2018

According to a new report from Parks Associates, self-installation of newly acquired security systems reached 55% in the second quarter of 2020, up from 40% in 2018, resulting in an overall increase of nearly 40% in just the past two years.

In addition, a new whitepaper from the firm, “Home Security: A Redefined Market, found that do-it-yourself (DIY) installation along with the rise of interactive services are the key trends currently defining the home security market, which has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, lower prices, and new smart home solutions.

"The installation method for newly acquired security systems and smart home devices has trended towards self-installation for several years, and COVID-19 has hastened that transition," Amanda Kung, Researcher, Parks Associates, said in a statement. "About one-third of security system owners and intenders report COVID-19 concerns caused them to avoid professional installers due to the discomfort of having a stranger in the home."

The research firm also said that approximately two-thirds of security system owners, or about 20 million households, have an interactive security system, and consumers expect their security systems to provide basic interactivity that enables them to receive notifications and access and control the system remotely.

"Security dealers must continue to develop more tools to support customers who want to install and troubleshoot on their own but may still need professional guidance," added Kung. "Some of the innovations we are seeing among dealers and installers include YouTube video tutorials and do-it-with-me installation help via video, phone, or chat that are available on-demand to security owners."